GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Precisely and delicately painted, this crowded scene is an unusual representation of crossing the English Channel in the middle of the 19th century. The pitching boat disturbs an improvised shipboard ball. On the left, a harpist has fallen between the legs of her fellow guitarist while a young gypsy, unperturbed, continues to ask for money. The people in this painting embody the different ways travelers respond to a situation. Some endure a violent bout of seasickness, tumble on each other, scream, and shout, while others smoke, sleep, or read, following their usual routines. Attention to costumes, different classes, and the minute description of characters creates an invaluable and humorous record of French society in the mid-19th century.
An adventurous painter, François-Auguste Biard took many trips during the first part of the 19th century. He was probably the first European painter to travel to the Arctic Circle and paint icebergs. He was also, as seen in this painting, a perfect observer of contemporary life.
Adapted from
Heather MacDonald, DMA label copy, 2010
NOTES
Created 1857
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Artist/designers
Biard, Franҫois-Auguste (French, 1798-1882)
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Geography
Depicted location: English Channel: TGN: 7005239
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General Description
Precisely and delicately painted, this crowded scene is an unusual representation of crossing the English Channel in the middle of the 19th century. The pitching boat disturbs an improvised shipboard ball. On the left, a harpist has fallen between the legs of her fellow guitarist while a young gypsy, unperturbed, continues to ask for money. The people in this painting embody the different ways travelers respond to a situation. Some endure a violent bout of seasickness, tumble on each other, scream, and shout, while others smoke, sleep, or read, following their usual routines. Attention to costumes, different classes, and the minute description of characters creates an invaluable and humorous record of French society in the mid-19th century.
An adventurous painter, François-Auguste Biard took many trips during the first part of the 19th century. He was probably the first European painter to travel to the Arctic Circle and paint icebergs. He was also, as seen in this painting, a perfect observer of contemporary life.
Adapted from
Heather MacDonald, DMA label copy, 2010
Fun Facts
Archival Resources
Web Resources
Notes
Created 1857
Catalogue essays
Artist/designers
Biard, Franҫois-Auguste (French, 1798-1882)
Cultures
Geography
Depicted location: English Channel: TGN: 7005239
Process/materials
Historical periods
Individuals
Subject terms
RELATED OBJECTS
PROVENANCE
AUDIO ASSETS
257424493: UMO Gallery Talk
VIDEO ASSETS
rules
Apply To
Objects
number
Equals
2011.27
source file
object_notes_2_b-0493.xml.nores